Belle Isle Park

River island and public park in Michigan, United States

For other parks and locations, see Belle Isle.

Belle Isle Park

James Scott Memorial Fountain, with the Belle Isle Casino in the background

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Type| State park
Location| Detroit, Michigan, U.S.
Coordinates| 42°20′25″N 82°59′12″W﻿ / ﻿42.34028°N 82.98667°W﻿ / 42.34028; -82.98667
Area| 982 acres (397 ha)
Created| 1845 (2014 as a state park)[1]
Operated by| State of Michigan
Website| www.belleislepark.org

Belle Isle

U.S. National Register of Historic Places

U.S. Historic district

Michigan State Historic Site

Location| Detroit River
Architect| Frederick Law Olmsted
NRHP reference No.| 74000999[2]
Added to NRHP| February 25, 1974

Belle Isle Park, known simply as Belle Isle (/bɛlˈaɪəl/), is a 982-acre (1.534 sq mi; 397 ha) island park in Detroit, Michigan, developed in the late 19th century. It consists of Belle Isle, an island in the Detroit River, as well as several surrounding islets. The U.S.-Canada border is in the channel south of Belle Isle.

Owned by the city of Detroit, Belle Isle is managed as a state park by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources through a 30-year lease initiated in 2013; it was previously a city park.[1] Belle Isle Park is the largest city-owned island park in the United States, and Belle Isle is the third largest island in the Detroit River, after Grosse Ile and Fighting Island. It is connected to mainland Detroit by the MacArthur Bridge.

Belle Isle Park is home to the Belle Isle Aquarium, the Belle Isle Conservatory, the Belle Isle Nature Center, the James Scott Memorial Fountain, the Dossin Great Lakes Museum, a municipal golf course, a half-mile (800 m) swimming beach, and numerous other monuments and attractions. It is also the site of a Coast Guard station. The Detroit Yacht Club is located on an adjacent island, connected to Belle Isle by a bridge.

## History

[edit]

"Pig Island" (Île aux Cochons) on a French map of 1796

The island was settled by French colonists in the 18th century, who named it Île aux Cochons (Hog Island). They allowed their livestock free range on the island.

Following his victory in the War of 1812, American General Alexander Macomb, Jr. was assigned to this region and owned the island as his estate. He was later appointed as Commanding General of the US Army. A monument to him was erected in the Washington Boulevard Historic District in downtown Detroit.

On July 4, 1845, a historic picnic party was held on the island; attendees decided to change its name to "Belle Isle" in honor of Miss Isabelle Cass, daughter of Governor (General) Lewis Cass. The name Belle Isle (an archaic spelling of Belle Île) means "beautiful island" in French.

The city planned to develop the island as a park, and hired prominent American urban park designer Frederick Law Olmsted in the 1880s to design it. He is known for his design of Central Park in New York City. But only some elements of his design were completed.

The 1908 Belle Isle Casino building is not used as a gambling facility; rather, it serves for occasional public events. Highlights of Belle Isle include a botanical garden and the Belle Isle Conservatory (1904). Both the conservatory and the adjacent aquarium were designed by Detroit architect Albert Kahn, who designed Cadillac Place and the Ford Rouge Factory, now recognized as city and national landmarks.

Interior waterways in the park shown in a c.1880 image, soon after the park's creation The old Belle Isle Casino, designed by Mason & Rice and built in 1884. It was demolished and replaced in 1908.

One night in 1908, Byron Carter of Cartercar stopped to help a stranded motorist on Belle Isle. When he cranked her Cadillac, it kicked back and broke his jaw. Complications from the injury resulted in his contracting pneumonia and he died. Henry Leland, founder of Cadillac Motors, said that "The Cadillac car will kill no more men if we can help it". He hired Charles Kettering, who established Delco and developed the electric self-starter. This soon became standard on all automobiles.[3]

Architect Cass Gilbert designed Belle Isle's James Scott Memorial Fountain, completed in 1925. Gilbert's other works include the United States Supreme Court Building in Washington, DC.[4] William Livingstone Memorial Light, the only marble lighthouse in the United States, is located on the east end of the island, and features sumptuous materials and architecture. It was named for the president of the Lakes Carriers Association, who advocated safety and navigational improvements in Great Lakes shipping.[5][6]

During World War II, the US military used the island park for training. They also staged a re-enactment of a Pacific island invasion by the Navy and Marine Corps. The island was temporarily renamed Bella Jima, and Detroiters witnessed an island invasion without the bloodshed. This event was conducted after the successful US invasion of Iwo Jima.[7]

At one time, the island housed a canoe concession, which provided rental canoes and stored private ones. Canoe riders often stopped at the nearby Remick Band Shell, which hosted regular concerts from 1950 to 1980. The band shell replaced an earlier facility and provided more amenities for performers and audience members. It was constructed at a cost of $150,000 and was named for resident Jerome H. Remick, who owned the world's largest music publishing house at the time.[8]

The Belle Isle Golf Course opened in 1922. The Detroit Yacht Club building dates to 1923 and still houses an active private sailing club; it also offers swimming and other country club amenities. The Activities Building was the site of a restaurant.[9] The Flynn Pavilion (1949) was designed by Eero Saarinen and used for ice skating rental.

A ferry service to the island existed from 1840 to 1957, although the bridge was completed to the island in 1923. Riding stables were housed in an 1863 market building that was relocated from Detroit to the island in the 1890s. The building was disassembled and stored by Greenfield Village in the 2000s. The park headquarters and police station are each located in 1860s-era houses.

Many fallow deer including the "white" variety were formerly widespread on the island

From the 1890s, the island was home to a large herd of European fallow deer. But this isolated population fell prey to disease at the close of the 20th century as a result of cyclic inbreeding. In 2004, the last of the 300 animals were captured and moved to the Detroit Zoo and nature center, located on Belle Isle. The children's zoo on the island and the aquarium closed due to budget constraints.

The Belle Isle Aquarium reopened on August 18, 2012, and is now run by the Belle Isle Conservancy. It originally opened on August 18, 1904, and was the oldest continually operating public aquarium in North America when it closed on April 3, 2005. The aquarium was operated by the Detroit Zoological Society prior to the 2005 closure. It is open to the public from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm every Saturday and Sunday, free of charge. The 10,000 sq ft (930 m2) historic building features a single large gallery with an arched ceiling covered in green glass tile to evoke an underwater feeling. Additional recreational options in the early 21st century include a nature center, wheelchair accessible nature trail, fishing piers, playgrounds, picnic shelters, and handball, tennis and basketball courts, baseball fields, and cricket pitch.

After years of economic problems, in 2013, the city of Detroit declared bankruptcy. A State Emergency Manager was appointed by the state government to oversee the city's finances. As part of the process, the state proposed taking over Belle Isle and converting it into a state park. Michigan Governor Rick Snyder signed a lease on October 1, 2013, to lease the park from the city for 30 years; while the city council rejected that offer in mid-October, the Michigan Emergency Loan Board opted for the state's proposal on November 12, 2013. It set a 90-day transition period beginning on December 1, 2013, to turn the park operations over to the state. As part of the deal, the state promised to make up to $20 million in improvements to the park over the next three years.[10] Belle Isle formally became a state park on February 10, 2014.

Users of the state park entering by car or motorcycle must either pay the standard state park user entrance fee or have a Michigan Recreational Passport sticker on the license plate of their vehicles. There is no charge for those who enter the park on foot or by bicycle.[11]

Belle Isle was the top-visited state park in Michigan in 2016, receiving more than 4 million visitors. Since the state took control in 2014, it has invested $32 million in renovation and improvements in the park.[12]

The park is one of the termini for the cross-state Iron Belle Trail, which consists of separate hiking and biking trails.[13]

On August 31, 2020, Belle Isle hosted a city-wide memorial to commemorate 1,500 victims of the COVID-19 pandemic.[14] Mayor Mike Duggan declared the day as Detroit Memorial Day to honor the victims of the disease.[15]

## Events

[edit]

### Auto racing

[edit]

Main article: Detroit Grand Prix (IndyCar)

In 1992, a temporary street race circuit was constructed on the island for CART races. The island hosted ten events at Belle Isle from 1992 to 2001, and racing resumed in 2007 as part of the IndyCar Series and American Le Mans Series.

On December 18, 2008, the scheduled race for 2009 was canceled. The automotive economic crisis, and its impact on the Detroit area, was the primary reason. Roger Penske did not rule out a return in the future.[16][17]

On September 20, 2011, race organizers gained approval from Detroit City Council to use the updated track and support area on Belle Isle.[18] On October 11, 2011, it was announced that the race would return in 2012.[19] Beginning in 2013 the IndyCar races ran as a doubleheader, with one race on Saturday and another one on Sunday, for the same distance. The starting grid for both races was determined in two separate qualifying sessions held a few hours before each race. The race weekends usually featured IndyCar as well as IMSA SportsCar Championship.

The race continued to be held annually, until June 2022, when it was announced that it would move to Downtown Detroit for 2023 onward.

### Music

[edit]

Boating on the Grand Canal in the early 1900s

Plans are underway to renew the tradition of Summer concert band performances for 2018 at the Remick Band Shell. Various Detroit-area concert bands are planning on performing on Sunday afternoons at the Band Shell. For instance, the Heritage Concert Band of Troy is scheduled to team with the Belgian American Association Band for a joint performance on July 29, 2018, at 1:30PM (tentative time). Many of the musicians belong to both concert bands.

It was announced that Belle Isle would be the site of heavy metal band Metallica's 2013 Orion Music + More Festival, guaranteeing $100,000 in revenue. On December 26, 2012, Detroit Councilman Ken Cockrel Jr. confirmed rumors that the city was in the process of confirming 2014 and 2015 as well to take place at Belle Isle. However, in 2013 the festival series was canceled permanently due to financial constraints.

### Soccer

[edit]

Belle Isle was home to the Detroit Futbol League, but games are now held at the Fort Wayne grounds due to field conditions at Belle Isle.

### Canoe, Kayak and Paddleboat Rental

[edit]

There are canoes, paddleboats, and kayaks available for rental located at the Flynn Pavilion.

## Attractions

[edit]

### James Scott Memorial Fountain

[edit]

Main article: James Scott Memorial Fountain

James Scott Memorial Fountain

The James Scott Memorial Fountain is a monument located in Belle Isle Park, in Detroit, Michigan. Designed by architect Cass Gilbert and sculptor Herbert Adams, the fountain was completed in 1925 at a cost of $500,000. The lower bowl has a diameter of 510 ft (160 m) and the central spray reaches 125 ft (38 m). The fountain honors the controversial James Scott, who left $200,000 to the City of Detroit for a fountain in tribute to himself.

### Belle Isle Aquarium

[edit]

Main article: Belle Isle Aquarium

Exterior of the Belle Isle Aquarium

The Belle Isle Aquarium is a public aquarium located in Belle Isle Park in Detroit, Michigan. Designed by architect Albert Kahn, it opened on August 18, 1904, and was the oldest continually operating public aquarium in North America when it closed on April 3, 2005. The aquarium reopened to the public on August 18, 2012, and is now run by the Belle Isle Conservancy. The 10,000-square-foot (930 m2) historic building features a single large gallery with an arched ceiling covered in green glass tile to evoke an underwater feeling. The aquarium was operated by the Detroit Zoological Society prior to the 2005 closure.

### Belle Isle Conservatory

[edit]

Main article: Belle Isle Conservatory

Whitcomb Conservatory on Detroit's Belle Isle

The Anna Scripps Whitcomb Conservatory, commonly and locally known as the Belle Isle Conservatory, is a greenhouse and botanical garden which opened in 1904. Located three miles (4.8 km) east of the city's downtown, on Belle Isle, it covers 13 acres (5.3 ha).

The Belle Isle Conservatory was built in 1904, designed by architect Albert Kahn, and rebuilt 1952–1954 with aluminum replacing its original wooden beams. In 1953, it was named in honor of Anna Scripps Whitcomb, who left her 600-plant orchid collection to the city. Thanks to her gift and subsequent donations, the conservatory is now home to one of the largest municipally-owned orchid collections in the United States. Rare orchids were saved from Great Britain during the World War II bombing and transported to the Anna Scripps Whitcomb Conservatory. Due to a lack of maintenance and budget cuts in recent years, the vast majority of orchids have now died. [citation needed]

The conservatory site contains formal perennial gardens, annual flower beds, a rose garden, and lily pond garden. The conservatory itself covers more than an acre, features an imposing central dome 85 feet (26 m) high (with a total volume of 100,601 cubic feet), and is organized as a palm house in the dome, the north and south wings, and a show house. The south wing contains tropical plants of economic importance such as bananas, oranges, coffee, sugar cane, and orchids. The north wing hosts the extensive collections of ferns, cacti, and succulents. The show house, remodeled 1980–1981, features a continuous display of blooming plants. The conservatory is currently undergoing renovations, and is closed to the public until May 2024.[20]

### Belle Isle Nature Center

[edit]

The Belle Isle Nature Center (BINC) is a nature center that encompasses approximately 4 acres (1.6 ha) of undisturbed forested wetland on Belle Isle. The nature center provides year-round educational, recreational and environmental conservation opportunities for the community.

A Deer Encounter, where fallow deer that once roamed the island can be fed by visitors, is part of a multi-phase project to convert the former Belle Isle Zoo into a nature center focusing on Michigan wildlife, flora and fauna. The BINC also includes a renovated auditorium, a turtle exhibit featuring native Michigan turtles, an indoor beehive allowing year-round viewing of bee behavior, a spider exhibit, and a Creation Station for children's educational programming.

### Dossin Great Lakes Museum

[edit]

Main article: Dossin Great Lakes Museum

The Dossin Great Lakes Museum is a maritime museum. Located on The Strand on Belle Isle Park, this museum places special interest on Detroit's role on national and regional maritime history. The 16,000-square-foot (1,500 m2) museum features exhibits such as one of the largest collection of model ships in the world, and the bow anchor of the legendary SS Edmund Fitzgerald.

### Giant slide

[edit]

Belle Isle Park slide in 2015

A large playground slide was opened in the park in 1967.[21] The slide was closed for two years during the COVID-19 pandemic, and upon reopening experienced issues with the speed at which riders were descending, which was attributed to the fact it had been freshly waxed.[22][23]

## Statistics

[edit]

At 982 acres (1.534 sq mi; 397 ha), Belle Isle Park was the largest city island park (prior to its transfer to the State of Michigan as a state park) and is larger than Central Park in New York City, also designed by Olmsted.

Detroit's River Rouge Park is 1,172 acres (1.831 sq mi; 474 ha). Prior to Belle Isle becoming a state park, the city's Parks and Recreation Department managed 6,000 acres (9.4 sq mi; 2,400 ha) of parks (now approximately 5,000 acres (7.8 sq mi; 2,000 ha)). The Huron-Clinton Metroparks authority manages 24,000 acres (38 sq mi; 9,700 ha) of parks and beaches; however, this does not include all parks in the area. There are thousands of additional acres of parks in metropolitan Detroit.

## Gallery

[edit]

* James Scott Memorial Fountain

* Interior of the Nature Center at Belle Isle

* Friedrich Schiller, the German poet, philosopher, historian, and dramatist, statue on Belle Isle

* View of Downtown Detroit from Belle Isle

* Nancy Brown Peace Carillon Clock on Belle Isle

* Detroit Yacht Club in Belle Isle Park

* Belle Isle Casino

* Front of casino off Fountain Circle

* James Scott statue admires the fountain

* SS Edmund Fitzgerald bow anchor

* Exterior of SS William Clay Ford Pilot House

* Interior of SS William Clay Ford Pilot House

* A view of downtown Detroit from Belle Isle in 2022

* Inscription in front of the Nancy Brown Peace Tower

* William Livingstone Lighthouse on Belle Isle

## See also

[edit]

* Michigan portal

* Architecture of metropolitan Detroit
* Belle Isle Aquarium
* Coast Guard Station Belle Isle
* Cycling in Detroit
* Detroit Boat Club
* Detroit International Riverfront
* Detroit Race Riot (1943) – took place on Belle Isle
* Detroit River
* Detroit Yacht Club
* List of botanical gardens in the United States
* List of maritime museums in the United States
* Tourism in metropolitan Detroit

## References

[edit]

1. ^ a b "Belle Isle becomes a state park today, improvements continue" (Press release). Michigan Department of Natural Resources. February 10, 2014. Archived from the original on May 12, 2014. Retrieved May 8, 2014.
2. ^ "National Register Information System". National Register of Historic Places. National Park Service. March 13, 2009.
3. ^ Bernstein, Mark (November 1, 1996). Grand Eccentrics: Turning the Century: Dayton and the Inventing of America. Wilmington: Orange Frazer Press. p. 119\. ISBN 978-1882203130.
4. ^ Lochbiler, Don (November 7, 1997). "Michigan History: Detroit's fountain of mirth". The Detroit News. Archived from the original on January 21, 2013. Retrieved January 6, 2008.
5. ^ "William Livingstone Memorial, MI". Lighthousefriends.com. Retrieved May 8, 2014.
6. ^ Wobser, Dave. "William Livingstone Memorial Light". Lighthouses of the Great Lakes. Archived from the original on November 2, 2013. Retrieved May 8, 2014.
7. ^ Rodriguez, Michael; Featherstone, Thomas (2003). Detroit's Belle Isle Island Park Gem. Arcadia Publishing. p. 85\. ISBN 0-7385-2315-1.
8. ^ Vivian M. Baluch (July 16, 1997). "Leonard B. Smith and the Detroit Concert Band". The Detroit News. Archived from the original on July 7, 2012. Retrieved October 25, 2010.
9. ^ Michigan. A Guide to the Wolverine State. American Guide Series. Oxford University Press. 1941. p. 252.
10. ^ "Michigan board approves 30-year deal to lease Belle Isle to state". freep.com. November 12, 2013. Retrieved November 12, 2013.
11. ^ "City of Detroit | Opportunity Rising". City of Detroit. Archived from the original on January 15, 2013.
12. ^ "Attendance, and investment up at Belle Isle". May 9, 2017.
13. ^ "FAQ about Michigan's Iron Belle Trail". Michigan DNR. February 7, 2015. Retrieved February 7, 2015.
14. ^ Hinds, Tresa Baldas, Brendel Hightower, Nushrat Rahman and Julie. "Detroit's Belle Isle becomes a place to mourn, celebrate the lives lost to COVID-19". Detroit Free Press.`{{cite web}}`: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
15. ^ "Detroit Memorial Day". City of Detroit.
16. ^ "Detroit IndyCar race no-go for 2009". indystar.com. December 18, 2008. Archived from the original on January 4, 2013. Retrieved December 18, 2008.
17. ^ "INDYCAR: Detroit Cancelled for 2009, Vision Racing Trims Staff". speedtv.com. December 18, 2008. Archived from the original on December 19, 2008. Retrieved December 18, 2008.
18. ^ "City Council OKs Detroit Grand Prix request". espn.com. September 20, 2011. Retrieved September 20, 2011.
19. ^ Brudenell, Mike (October 28, 2013). "Chevrolet, Roger Penske bring 2012 Detroit Grand Prix back to Belle Isle". Freep.com. Retrieved November 1, 2013.
20. ^ "Belle Isle conservatory to undergo major renovations, temporarily close". Belle Isle Conservancy. Retrieved September 14, 2023.
21. ^ Rahal, Sarah. "Giant Belle Isle slide to reopen - again - after adjustments made to stop bouncing". The Detroit News. Retrieved August 24, 2022.
22. ^ Webb, Liliana (August 19, 2022). "Belle Isle slide reopening halted after children are sent airborne, prompting concerns". Detroit Free Press. Retrieved August 24, 2022.
23. ^ Tumin, Remy; Greeson, Brittany (August 26, 2022). "Riders Catch a Little Too Much Air on a Detroit Slide". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved August 27, 2022.

## Further reading

[edit]

* Fisher, Dale; Fisher, Mary B. (1994). Detroit: Visions of the Eagle. Grass Lake, Mich: Eyry of the Eagle Publishing. ISBN 0-9615623-3-1.
* Hill, Eric J. and John Gallagher (2002). AIA Detroit: The American Institute of Architects Guide to Detroit Architecture. Wayne State University Press. ISBN 0-8143-3120-3.
* Rodriguez, Michael and Thomas Featherstone (2003). Detroit's Belle Isle Island Park Gem (Images of America). Arcadia Publishing. ISBN 0-7385-2315-1.
* Sharoff, Robert (2005). American City: Detroit Architecture. Wayne State University Press. ISBN 0-8143-3270-6.
* Gautz, Chris. "State lease of Belle Isle has begun; 90-day transition period will transfer duties from city." Crain's Detroit Business. November 12, 2013. Modified November 13, 2013.

## External links

[edit]

Wikimedia Commons has media related to Belle Isle Park.

* Official website
* Detroit Yacht Club
* Dossin Great Lakes Museum
* About Dossin Great Lakes Museum
* Belle Island Botanical Society
* Belle Isle Nature Center
* Free Belle Isle Tour App

Links to related articles

* v
* t
* e

Protected areas of Michigan

See also: Important Bird Areas and State game and wildlife areas

National|

| Parks|

* Isle Royale
* Keweenaw (Historical)
* River Raisin (Battlefield)

|

Lakeshores|

* Pictured Rocks
* Sleeping Bear Dunes

Landmarks|

* Au Sable State Forest
* Dukes Research Natural Area
* Grand Mere State Park
* Haven Hill State Natural Area
* Newton Woods
* Porcupine Mountains
* Roscommon Virgin Pine Stand
* Strangmoor Bog
* Tobico Marsh
* Toumey Woods
* Warren Woods State Park
* Waterloo State Recreation Area

Forests|

* Hiawatha
* Huron–Manistee
* Ottawa

Wildlife Refuges|

* Detroit River
* Harbor Island
* Huron
* Kirtlands Warbler Wildlife Management Area
* Michigan Islands
* Michigan Wetland Management District
* Seney
* Shiawassee

Wild and Scenic Rivers|

* Au Sable
* Bear Creek
* Black
* Carp
* Indian
* Manistee
* Ontonagon
* Paint
* Pere Marquette
* Pine
* Presque Isle
* Sturgeon (Delta County)
* Sturgeon (Houghton County)
* Tahquamenon
* Whitefish
* Yellow Dog

Other Protected Areas|

* Father Marquette National Memorial
* Grand Island National Recreation Area
* Saint Helena Island National Scenic Area
* Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary

State|

| Parks|

* Albert E. Sleeper
* Algonac
* Aloha
* Baraga
* Bay City
* Belle Isle
* Bewabic
* Brimley
* Burt Lake
* Cambridge Junction
* Cheboygan
* Clear Lake
* Coldwater Lake
* Craig Lake
* Dodge No.4
* Duck Lake
* Fayette
* Fisherman's Island
* Fort Michilimackinac
* Fort Wilkins
* Fred Meijer White Pine Trail
* Grand Haven
* Grand Mere
* Harrisville
* Hart–Montague Trail
* Hartwick Pines
* W.J. Hayes
* P.H. Hoeft
* P.J. Hoffmaster
* Holland
* Indian Lake
* Interlochen
* Kal-Haven Trail
* Lake Gogebic
* Lakelands Trail
* Lakeport
* Laughing Whitefish Falls
* Leelanau
* Ludington
* Mackinac Island
* Maybury
* F.J. McLain
* Charles Mears
* Meridian-Baseline
* Mill Creek
* Wm. Mitchell
* Muskallonge Lake
* Muskegon
* Negwegon
* Newaygo
* North Higgins Lake
* Onaway
* Orchard Beach
* Old Mission
* Otsego Lake
* Palms Book
* Petoskey
* Porcupine Mountains
* Port Crescent
* Sanilac Petroglyphs
* Saugatuck Dunes
* Seven Lakes
* Silver Lake
* Sleepy Hollow
* South Higgins Lake
* Wm. C. Sterling
* Straits
* Sturgeon Point
* Tahquamenon Falls
* Tawas Point
* Thompson's Harbor
* Traverse City
* Twin Lakes
* Van Buren
* Van Buren Trail
* Van Riper
* Warren Dunes
* Warren Woods
* Watkins Lake and County Preserve
* J.W. Wells
* Wilderness
* William G. Milliken
* Wilson
* Young

|

Recreation Areas|

* Bald Mountain
* Bass River
* Brighton
* Fort Custer
* Highland
* Holly
* Ionia
* Island Lake
* Lake Hudson
* Lime Island
* Menominee River
* Metamora-Hadley
* Ortonville
* Pinckney
* Pontiac Lake
* Proud Lake
* Rifle River
* Rockport
* Tippy Dam
* Waterloo
* W.C. Wetzel
* Yankee Springs

Forests|

* Au Sable
* Copper Country
* Escanaba River
* Lake Superior
* Mackinaw
* Pere Marquette

Underwater Preserves|

* Alger
* De Tour Passage
* Grand Traverse Bay
* Keweenaw
* Manitou Passage
* Marquette
* Sanilac Shores
* Southwest Michigan
* Straits of Mackinac
* Thumb Area
* Whitefish Point

Other|

* Agate Falls Scenic Site
* Bond Falls Scenic Site
* Michigan Islands Wilderness Area
* Ocqueoc Falls
* Ralph A. MacMullan Conference Center
* Wagner Falls Scenic Site

* Category
* Commons
* Detroit
* Grand Rapids
* Michigan Department of Natural Resources

* v
* t
* e

Parks in metropolitan Detroit

Detroit city|

* Belle Isle
* Campau Park
* Campus Martius
* Chandler Park
* Clark Park
* Central Park
* Dequindre Cut
* International Riverfront
* Engel Memorial Park
* Ford Park
* Fort Wayne
* Gabriel Richard Park
* Grand Circus
* Howell Park
* Lafayette Park
* Milliken State Park and Harbor
* New Center Park
* Owen Park
* Palmer Park
* Patton Park
* Reid Memorial Park
* Roosevelt Park
* River Rouge Park
* State Fairgrounds
* Three Mile Drive Park
* UIS Irish Plaza

Metro
600 to 1,500 acres (243 to 607 ha)|

* Addison Oaks
* Algonac State Park
* Belle Isle
* Camp Dearborn
* Crosswinds Marsh
* Hayes State Park (Irish Hills)
* Independence Oaks
* Lower Huron
* Lakeport State Park
* Maybury State Park
* Metamora-Hadley Recreation Area
* Metro Beach Metropark
* Sterling State Park

1,500 to 5,000 acres (607 to 2,023 ha)|

* Bald Mountain
* Brighton Recreation Area
* Hines Drive
* Hudson Mills
* Huron Meadows
* Indian Springs
* Kensington
* Lake Erie Metropark
* Pontiac Lake Recreation Area
* Oakwoods
* Stony Creek Metropark
* Wolcott Mill
* Willow

over 5,000 acres (2,023 ha) |

* Detroit River International Wildlife Refuge
* Highland Recreation Area
* Ortonville Recreation Area
* Pinckney State Recreation Area
* Pointe Mouillee State Game Area

Waterways|

* Clinton River
* Detroit River (Islands)
* Huron River
* Lake St. Clair
* River Rouge
* St. Clair River

Major beaches|

* Belle Isle
* Kensington
* Lakeside Beach and Park
* Lighthouse Beach and Park
* Metro Beach
* Stony Creek

Trails
5 to 36 miles (8 to 58 km)|

* Bald Mountain
* Detroit River Walk / Dequindre Cut
* Highland Recreation Lakes
* Kensington
* Lakelands Trail State Park
* Novi North Park
* Paint Creek Trail
* Poly Ann Trail
* Pontiac Lake Recreation Area
* Stony Creek Inwood Trails
* Trails in Detroit
* Waterloo-Pinckney Trail

Zoological and botanical|

* Anna Scripps Whitcomb Conservatory
* Cranbrook
* Detroit Zoo
* Matthaei Botanical Gardens

See also Tourism in metropolitan Detroit and Huron–Clinton Metroparks

* v
* t
* e

Architecture of metropolitan Detroit

Skyscrapers|

| 10 tallest|

* Renaissance Center
* One Detroit Center
* Penobscot
* RenCen Towers 100-400
* Guardian
* Book Tower
* 150 West Jefferson

|

20 tallest|

* Fisher
* Cadillac Tower
* Stott
* One Woodward Avenue
* McNamara Federal
* DTE Energy
* Broderick
* 211 West Fort
* Buhl
* Westin Book Cadillac Hotel
* Hollywood Casino

30 tallest|

* First National
* Cadillac Centre
* RenCen Towers 500-600
* 1001 Woodward
* Millender Center
* AT&T
* Chrysler House
* Jeffersonian
* Blue Cross Blue Shield
* Coleman A. Young Municipal Center

40 tallest|

* Penobscot Annex
* Lafayette East
* Riverfront Tower 300
* Riverfront Tower 200
* Whitney
* Washington Square
* Riverfront Tower 100
* Water Board
* Washington Boulevard

50 tallest|

* Riverside Hotel
* Fort Shelby Hotel
* Industrial-Stevens
* Ford
* Leland
* Fyfe
* Grand Park Centre
* Compuware
* United Artists Theatre
* Michigan Central Station
* Cadillac Place

60 tallest|

* MGM Grand Detroit
* MotorCity Casino Hotel
* The Qube
* Maccabees
* Fort Washington Plaza
* One Kennedy Square
* Detroit Free Press
* Metropolitan
* Wardell

70–195 tallest|

* Kales
* Masonic Temple
* Town Apartments
* Michigan Building
* Park Avenue House
* Penobscot Building (1905)
* 1212 Griswold
* Belcrest
* Griswold Building
* Harvard Square
* Professional Plaza Tower
* Vinton
* Detroit Building
* Fox Theatre
* Lawyers Building
* Levin United States Courthouse
* Marquette

New Center|

* Fisher
* Cadillac Place
* Argonaut Building
* Henry Ford Hospital
* New Center Building

East side

* Lafayette Park
* Jeffersonian
* Detroit Towers
* The Kean
* The Whittier
* Harbortown Apartments

Suburban|

* Southfield Town Center
* American Center
* Top of Troy
* Tower Plaza
* Adoba Hotel
* Parklane Towers
* Chrysler Headquarters

Low rise
under 10 stories
selected|

| Downtown|

* 411
* Bankers Trust
* Cass Building
* Detroit Athletic Club
* Detroit Club
* Detroit Cornice and Slate
* Fillmore
* Harmonie Centre
* Harmonie Club
* L. B. King
* Opera House
* Music Hall
* Merchants
* One Griswold Street
* Wayne County Building
* Wright-Kay
* Savoyard Centre

|

Midtown|

* Orchestra Hall
* Metropolitan Center
* Phoenix Group
* Old Main
* Rackham Building
* McGregor Memorial Conference Center
* Verona
* Wayne State University Buildings
* Clay Office

North|

* University of Detroit Mercy
* Detroit Golf Club

East side|

* Alden Park Towers
* Brewery Park
* Coronado
* El Tovar
* Garden Court
* Milner Arms
* Riverwalk Hotel
* Pasadena

Suburban|

* Country Club of Detroit
* The Dearborn Inn
* GM Technical Center
* Royal Park Hotel
* Inn at St. John's
* Townsend Hotel

Parks and gardens|

* Belle Isle
* Cranbrook
* Campus Martius
* Grand Circus
* Metroparks
* Matthaei Botanical Gardens
* Riverfront parks
* Detroit Zoo

Museums and libraries|

* Cranbrook Educational Community
* Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History
* Detroit Historical Museum
* Detroit Institute of Arts
* Detroit Public Library
* Detroit Science Center
* Edsel and Eleanor Ford House
* Fair Lane
* Ford Piquette Avenue Plant
* The Henry Ford
* Meadowbrook Hall
* Pewabic Pottery
* Southfield Public Library
* University of Michigan Museum of Art

Religious landmarks|

* Religious landmarks

Performance centers|

* Theatres and performing arts venues

Neighborhood
Historic Districts|

| Residential|

* Arden Park-East Boston
* Atkinson Avenue
* Beverly Road
* Boston-Edison
* Brush Park
* Canton Township MPS
* Corktown
* East Ferry
* East Grand Boulevard
* East Jefferson Avenue
* Grosse Pointe
* Highland Heights-Stevens' Sub.
* Indian Village
* Layafette Park
* Northville
* Palmer Park Apartments
* Palmer Park Blvd.
* Palmer Woods
* Park Avenue
* Rosedale Gardens
* Rosedale Park
* Sherwood Forest
* Virginia Park
* Warren-Prentis
* West Canfield
* West Village
* Willis-Selden
* Woodbridge
* Woodward East
* (See also: Historic homes)

|

Mixed-use|

* Adams Street
* Broadway Avenue
* Capitol Park
* Cass Park
* Cass-Davenport
* Congress Street
* Cultural Center
* Eastern Market
* Eastside Cemetery
* Financial District
* Grand Boulevard
* Grand Circus
* Grand River Avenue
* Gratiot Avenue
* Griswold Street
* Greektown
* West Jefferson Avenue
* Jefferson Chalmers
* Larned Street
* Michigan Avenue
* Monroe Avenue
* New Amsterdam
* New Center
* Piquette Avenue
* Randolph Street
* Shelby Street
* State Street
* Sugar Hill
* University–Cultural Center
* Washington Boulevard
* Wayne State University
* West Vernor-Junction
* West Vernor-Lawndale
* West Vernor-Springwells
* Lower Woodward
* Midtown Woodward
* Woodward Avenue

See also: List of tallest buildings in Detroit

* v
* t
* e

National Register of Historic Places in Wayne County, Michigan

Historic districts|

* Annapolis Park Historic District
* Arden Park–East Boston Historic District
* Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Church
* Belle Isle Park
* Beverly Road Historic District
* Boston–Edison Historic District
* Broadway Avenue Historic District
* Brush Park Historic District
* Capitol Park Historic District
* Cass–Davenport Historic District
* Cass Park Historic District
* Cherry Hill Historic District
* Church of the Transfiguration Historic District
* Corktown Historic District
* Cultural Center Historic District
* Detroit Financial District
* Eastern Market Historic District
* East Ferry Avenue Historic District
* East Grand Boulevard Historic District
* East River Road Historic District
* Eastside Historic Cemetery District
* Fort Wayne
* Grand Circus Park Historic District
* Greektown Historic District
* Grosse Pointe Academy
* Grosse Pointe South High School
* Helen Newberry Nurses Home
* Highland Heights–Stevens' Subdivision Historic District
* Indian Village Historic District
* Jefferson–Chalmers Historic Business District
* Jefferson Intermediate School
* John and Edna Truesdell Fischer Farmstead
* Jos. Campau Historic District
* Louis G. Redstone Residential Historic District
* Lower Woodward Avenue Historic District
* Medbury's–Grove Lawn Subdivisions Historic District
* Midtown Woodward Historic District
* Michigan Avenue Historic Commercial District
* Monroe Avenue Commercial Buildings
* New Amsterdam Historic District
* New Center Commercial Historic District
* Northville Historic District
* Norwayne Historic District
* Palmer Park Apartment Building Historic District
* Palmer Park Boulevard Apartments District
* Palmer Woods Historic District
* Park Avenue Historic District
* Piquette Avenue Industrial Historic District
* Randolph Street Commercial Buildings Historic District
* Rosedale Gardens Historic District
* Rosedale Park Historic District
* St. Charles Borromeo Roman Catholic Parish Complex
* St. Florian Church
* Springwells Park Historic District
* Sugar Hill Historic District
* Virginia Park Historic District
* Warren–Prentis Historic District
* Washington Boulevard Historic District
* Wayne State University Buildings
* West Canfield Historic District
* West Vernor–Junction Historic District
* West Vernor–Lawndale Historic District
* West Vernor–Springwells Historic District
* West Village Historic District
* Willis–Selden Historic District
* Woodbridge Historic District
* Woodward East Historic District

Historic properties|

* Albert Kahn House
* Alden Park Towers
* Alexander Chapoton House
* Alexander Chene House
* Alger Theater
* Alpha House
* Amity Lodge No. 335 Temple — Spiritual Israel Church and Its Army Temple
* Antietam Street–Grand Trunk Railroad Bridge
* Architects Building
* Arthur M. Parker House
* Bagley Memorial Fountain
* Barlum Tower
* Belcrest Apartments
* Benjamin and Mary Ann Bradford House
* Bernard Ginsburg House
* Birwood Wall
* Carl E. and Alice Candler Schmidt House
* Carlton D. Wall House
* Cary Building
* Cass Avenue Methodist Episcopal Church
* Cass Motor Sales
* Cathedral Church of St. Paul Complex
* Cathedral of the Most Blessed Sacrament
* Central United Methodist Church
* Central Woodward Christian Church
* Chapel of St. Theresa–the Little Flower
* Chatsworth Apartments
* Century Building and Little Theatre
* Charles G. Curtiss Sr. House
* Charles J. and Ingrid V. (Frendberg) Koebel House
* Charles Lang Freer House
* Charles Trombly House
* Charles Trowbridge House
* Checker Cab Taxi Garage and Office Building
* Chestnut Street–Grand Trunk Railroad Bridge
* Christ Church Chapel
* Christ Church, Detroit
* Col. Frank J. Hecker House
* Commandant's Quarters
* Coronado Apartments
* Croul–Palms House
* Crescent Brass and Pin Company Building
* David and Elizabeth Bell Boldman House
* David Whitney House
* Dearborn City Hall Complex
* Dearborn Inn and Colonial Homes
* Defer Elementary School
* Detroit Club
* Detroit–Columbia Central Office Building
* Detroit Cornice and Slate Company Building
* Detroit Edison Company Willis Avenue Station
* Detroit–Leland Hotel
* Detroit Masonic Temple
* Detroit Naval Armory
* Detroit News Complex
* Detroit Savings Bank Southwest Branch
* Detroit Yacht Club
* Dry Dock Engine Works–Detroit Dry Dock Company Complex
* Duane Doty School
* Dunbar Hospital
* East River Road–North Hickory Canal Bridge
* Eddystone Hotel
* Edmund Atkinson School
* Edwin Denby High School
* Edwin S. George Building
* Edson, Moore and Company Building
* Eighth Precinct Police Station
* Elisha Taylor House
* El Tovar Apartments
* Elwood Bar
* Elizabeth Cleveland Intermediate School
* Engine House No. 11
* Engine House No. 18
* Ephraim and Emma Woodworth Truesdell House
* Farwell Building
* Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago Detroit Branch Building
* Ferry Street–Thorofare Canal Bridge
* Fisher and New Center Buildings
* First Baptist Church of Detroit
* First Congregational Church
* First Federal Building
* First Presbyterian Church
* First Unitarian Church of Detroit
* First United Methodist Church
* Ford–Bacon House
* Ford Valve Plant
* Fort Street Presbyterian Church
* Fort Shelby Hotel
* Fort Street–Pleasant Street and Norfolk & Western Railroad Viaduct
* Francis Palms Building & State Theater
* Franklin H. Walker House
* Frederick K. Stearns House
* Frederick Stearns Building
* Frederic M. Sibley Lumber Company Office Building
* Garden Bowl
* Garden Court Apartments
* General Motors Research Laboratory
* George and Mary Pine Smith House
* George P. MacNichol House
* George W. Loomer House
* Gethsemane Evangelical Lutheran Church
* Gibraltar Road–Waterway Canal Bridge
* Globe Tobacco Building
* Grace Evangelical Lutheran Church
* Grand Army of the Republic Building
* Grande Ballroom
* Graybar Electric Company Building
* Great Lakes Manor
* Greenfield Union School
* Greenmead Farms
* Griswold Building
* Grosse Pointe Memorial Church
* Grosse Pointe Central Library
* Grosse Pointe War Memorial
* Grosse Pointe Yacht Club
* Hamtramck Stadium
* Harmonie Centre (formerly the Breitmeyer–Tobin Building)
* Henry Ford Hospital
* Henry Ford Square House
* Henry W. Baker House
* Herman Strasburg House
* Hibbard Apartment Building
* Highland Park General Hospital
* Highland Park Presbyterian Church
* Hook and Ladder House No. 5–Detroit Fire Department Repair Shop
* Hotel Stevenson
* Hudson–Evans House
* Hunter House
* Hurlbut Memorial Gate
* Hull's Trace North Huron River Corduroy Segment
* James A. Garfield School
* Jefferson Avenue–Huron River and Harbin Drive–Silver Creek Canal Bridges
* Jefferson Hall
* Jerome H. Remick and Company Building
* John and Eliza Barr Patterson House
* John and Emma Lacey Eberts House
* John Harvey House
* John N. Bagley House
* John T. Woodhouse House
* Joseph Campau House
* Kingston Arms Apartments
* Lancaster and Waumbek Apartments
* Lawyers Building
* L. B. King and Company Building
* League of Catholic Women Building
* Lee Plaza Hotel
* Lewis Cass Technical High School
* Lilley Road–Lower Rouge River Bridge
* Lincoln Park Post Office
* Maccabees Building
* Majestic Theater
* Manchester Apartments
* Mariners' Church
* Marwood Apartments
* Marx House
* McKinley Elementary School
* Mellus Newspapers Building
* Merchants Building
* Metropolitan United Methodist Church
* Michigan Bell and Western Electric Warehouse
* Michigan Soldiers' and Sailors' Monument
* Michigan State Fair Riding Coliseum, Dairy Cattle Building, and Agricultural Building
* Moross House
* Mulford T. Hunter House
* Nacirema Club
* Nellie Leland School
* New Bethel Baptist Church
* North Woodward Congregational Church
* Orchestra Hall
* Orrin and Roxanne Fairman Kinyon House
* Orson Everitt House
* Ossian H. Sweet House
* Park Avenue House
* Parke-Davis and Company Pharmaceutical Company Plant
* Parke Lane Road–Thorofare Canal Bridge
* Pasadena Apartments
* Paul Harvey Deming House
* Penn Central Station
* Pere Gabriel Richard Elementary School
* Perry McAdow House
* Philetus W. Norris House
* Phillip and Maria Hasselbach Dingledey House
* Pilgrim and Puritan Apartment Complex
* Ponchartrain Apartments
* Pontchartrain Club/Town House Apartments
* Prentis Building and DeRoy Auditorium Complex
* Professional Plaza Tower
* Redford Theatre Building
* Redford Township District No. 5 School
* River Terrace Apartments
* Robert M. and Matilda (Kitch) Grindley House
* Rosa L. (McCauley) and Raymond Parks Flat
* Sacred Heart Major Seminary
* Sacred Heart Church
* St. Albertus Roman Catholic Church
* Saint Andrew's Memorial Episcopal Church
* Ste. Anne Roman Catholic Church Complex
* St. Bonaventure Monastery
* St. Boniface Roman Catholic Church
* St. Catherine of Siena Roman Catholic Church
* St. James Episcopal Church
* St. John's Episcopal Church
* St. John's–St. Luke's Evangelical Church
* St. Josaphat's Roman Catholic Church
* St. Joseph's Episcopal Church (1883)
* St. Joseph's Episcopal Church (1926)
* St. Joseph Roman Catholic Church
* Saint Paul Catholic Church Complex
* Saint Paul Manor Apartments
* Saints Peter and Paul Academy
* Saints Peter and Paul Church
* Saint Rita Apartments
* St. Stanislaus Bishop and Martyr Roman Catholic Church
* St. Theresa of Avila Roman Catholic Church
* St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church
* Samuel L. Smith House
* Santa Fe Apartments
* Scarab Club
* Second Baptist Church of Detroit
* Sheldon Inn
* Shrine of the Black Madonna of the Pan African Orthodox Christian Church
* Sibley House
* Sidney D. Miller Junior High and High School
* Somerset Apartments
* South Pointe Drive–Frenchman's Creek Bridge
* S. S. Kresge World Headquarters
* Starkweather School
* State Savings Bank
* Stuber–Stone Building
* Sweetest Heart Of Mary Roman Catholic Church
* Temple Baptist Church – King Solomon Baptist Church
* Temple Beth-El (Bonstelle Theatre)
* Temple Beth-El (Bethel Community Transformation Center)
* The Clay School
* The Harmonie Club
* The Kean
* The Palms
* The Players
* The Wardell
* Third Precinct Police Station
* Thomas and Isabella Moore Clyde House
* Thomas and Maria Blackman Bartlett House
* Thomas A. Parker House
* Thomas M. Cooley High School
* Thomas S. Sprague House
* Thompson Home
* Tiger Stadium
* Tivadar and Dorothy Balogh House
* Trinity Episcopal Church
* Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church Complex
* Trinity United Methodist Church
* Tushiyah United Hebrew School – Scott Memorial Methodist Episcopal Church
* US 12 Bridges
* U.S. Post Office, Court House, and Custom House
* United States Immigration Station
* United States Postal Service Roosevelt Park Station
* Vanity Ballroom Building
* Verona Apartments
* Vinton Building
* Waltz Road–Huron River Bridge
* Warren Motor Car Company Building
* Wayne County Building
* Weil and Company – Gabriel Richard Building
* West Jefferson Avenue–Rouge River Bridge
* West Side Dom Polski
* WGPR-TV Studio
* Whittier Hotel
* William and Margot Kessler House
* William B. and Mary Chase Stratton House
* William C. Boydell House
* William H. Wells House
* William Hawkins Ferry House
* Wilson Barn
* Wilson Theatre
* WJBK-TV Studios Building
* Women's City Club
* Woodward Avenue Presbyterian Church
* Wyandotte Odd Fellows Temple

National Historic Landmarks|

* Detroit Industry Murals
* Edsel and Eleanor Ford House (Gaukler Pointe)
* Fair Lane
* Fisher Building
* Ford Piquette Avenue Plant
* Ford River Rouge Complex
* Fox Theatre Building
* Highland Park Ford Plant
* General Motors Building
* Guardian Building
* Mies van der Rohe Residential District, Lafayette Park
* McGregor Memorial Conference Center
* Parke-Davis Research Laboratory
* Pewabic Pottery
* The Henry Ford

Former listings|

* Chateau Frontenac Apartments
* Dodge Mansion
* Grand Riviera Theater
* Harper Hospital
* Lincoln Motor Company Plant
* Columbia (steamboat)
* Ste. Claire (steamboat)
* Woodward Avenue Baptist Church

See also: National Register of Historic Places listings in Wayne County, Michigan and List of National Historic Landmarks in Michigan

* v
* t
* e

City of Detroit

* Architecture
* Culture
* Detroit River
* Economy
* Fire & rescue
* Freeways
* Government
* History
* timeline
* Historic places
* International Riverfront
* Media
* Music
* Neighborhoods
* Parks and beaches
* People
* Police and crime
* Performing arts
* Skyscrapers
* Sports
* Tourism
* Transportation
* Water works

* Metro Detroit
* Michigan
* United States

* v
* t
* e

National Register of Historic Places in Michigan

Lists by county|

* Alcona
* Alger
* Allegan
* Alpena
* Antrim
* Arenac
* Baraga
* Barry
* Bay
* Benzie
* Berrien
* Branch
* Calhoun
* Cass
* Charlevoix
* Cheboygan
* Chippewa
* Clare
* Clinton
* Crawford
* Delta
* Dickinson
* Eaton
* Emmet
* Genesee
* Gladwin
* Gogebic
* Grand Traverse
* Gratiot
* Hillsdale
* Houghton
* Huron
* Ingham
* Ionia
* Iosco
* Iron
* Isabella
* Jackson
* Kalamazoo
* Kalkaska
* Kent
* Keweenaw
* Lake
* Lapeer
* Leelanau
* Lenawee
* Livingston
* Luce
* Mackinac
* Macomb
* Manistee
* Marquette
* Mason
* Mecosta
* Menominee
* Midland
* Missaukee
* Monroe
* Montcalm
* Montmorency
* Muskegon
* Newaygo
* Oakland
* Oceana
* Ogemaw
* Ontonagon
* Osceola
* Oscoda
* Otsego
* Ottawa
* Presque Isle
* Roscommon
* Saginaw
* Sanilac
* Schoolcraft
* Shiawassee
* St. Clair
* St. Joseph
* Tuscola
* Van Buren
* Washtenaw
* Wayne
* Detroit
* Wexford

Other lists|

* Bridges
* Historic districts
* Houses
* Michigan State Historic Sites (listings)
* National Historic Landmarks
* Properties of religious function
* Railway stations

* v
* t
* e

Grand-Am Rolex Sports Car Series race venues (2000–2013)

Road courses|

* Austin
* Barber
* Laguna Seca
* Lime Rock
* Mexico City
* Mid-Ohio
* Montréal
* Mont-Tremblant
* New Jersey
* Road America
* Road Atlanta
* Sonoma
* Utah
* Virginia
* Watkins Glen

Street circuits|

* Belle Isle
* Long Beach
* Trois-Rivières

Rovals|

* Daytona
* Fontana
* Homestead
* Indianapolis
* Iowa
* Kansas
* Phoenix

Authority control databases

International|

* VIAF

National|

* United States
* Israel

Geographic|

* MusicBrainz place

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